More help for migrants thanks to small business

NEWLY-arrived migrants will have additional support as they settle in to their new communities, thanks to a small business-led initiative unveiled by Small Business Minister Michael McCormack.

“The Connective Collective welcome pack is a fantastic initiative of small businesses in the Liverpool and South West Sydney region, and I am delighted to help launch it today,” Mr McCormack said.

Partnering with White Pages, Sensis and Settlement Services International, the welcome pack includes a flash-card game in Arabic and English, a welcome book which can serve as a local directory and a Connected Collective sticker for small businesses to advertise the service.

“This is yet another example of local small businesses doing what they do best and serving the needs of their local community,” Mr McCormack said.

“Australia’s small business sector is well-served by hard-working migrants who start their own small businesses as they make Australia their home. I am delighted Liverpool locals – many of whom have come to Australia as migrants – are helping to make the process easier for those who come today.

“Many local small businesses in South West Sydney speak Arabic and languages other than English, which can help new migrants connect with their new community and learn more about the diversity of small business in Australia and what the local area offers.”

Mr McCormack commended the initiative, encouraging migrants to consider starting their own small business.

“Around Australia, many of our great small business stories – especially in food and hospitality – are thanks to migrants bringing the best of their culture to restaurants and cafés here, many of which have been a great success,” Mr McCormack said.

“With programs such as this welcoming our new arrivals and showing them how small business can help build a life in Australia, I am hopeful more migrants will follow that lead and start their own.

“Australia is a fantastic place to start a small business and the Federal Government is determined to help all small businesses grow and create jobs.

“The Government has cut company taxes, levelled the playing field for small business, fixed competition laws, extended the instant asset write-off initiatice, simplified the BAS and is slashing red tape to help small business succeed.”

Settlement Services International will send 250 packs to migrants and families in the Liverpool community as a pilot program. It will be rolled out in collaboration with the Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.